Murakami-Loehmann, who begins work Aug. 1, has worked as an arts administrator, board member, violinist and teacher. She began playing the violin and piano at the age of 3 and won first prize in The Juilliard School violin competition. She attended the prestigious Aspen Music Festival for six summers and served as concertmaster of the New York Youth Symphony.

David Hattner, PYP musical director, said in a statement, "Having known Kiri since she was concertmaster of the New York Youth Symphony, I am excited to welcome her to PYP. I observed her as the manager of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and was greatly impressed with her work and style. She is an ideal fit for Portland and PYP and I anticipate great things for us in the short and long term."

Murakami-Loehmann was an audio engineering assistant for concert venues before graduating with high honors from Princeton University in music theory/composition, Japanese, and environmental studies. She worked in the education department at the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra before joining the Princeton Symphony Orchestra where she served as General Manager and Artistic Administrator. In her spare time, she serves on the board of a non-profit organization, Music for Autism, based in New York City.

"My decision to join the organization was motivated by its artistic ambition and excellence, commitment to music education, and the tremendous impact that the PYP has had in the Greater Portland community for the past 90 years," she said.